Luis Pedro Biraben & Chacco Bumpy. Photo © Andrew Ryback Photography.
Press release from World Equestrian Center - Ocala
Twenty horse-and-rider combinations took to the WEC Grand Arena Friday morning for the CSI4* $63,000 Florida Coast Equipment Winning Round. Course designers Alan Wade (IRL) and Ben Townley (GRB) crafted an inviting track that produced 12 clear rounds. Of the 10 partnerships that advanced to the jump-off phase, it was Argentina’s Luis Pedro Biraben who guided his longtime partner, Chacco Bumpy (Chacco-Blue x Toulon), to the top spot.
“I have been partnered with her for about eight years now. She has won so many classes and is just a fantastic horse. She is really strong and when the light is green in the jump-off, she is really, really fast,” Biraben smiled as he reflected on their partnership.
Luis Pedro Biraben & Chacco Bumpy in the winner’s circle presented by Florida Coast Equipment. Photo © Andrew Ryback Photography.
Returning early in the jump-off order with the seasoned 16-year-old Oldenburg mare, Biraben posted an unbeatable time of 36.68 seconds. “I went early in the class, I was number three and I knew I had so many fast and strong riders behind me. I made my plan to just go fast and forward, and it worked for me today,” Biraben laughed.
As a frequent competitor in the Grand Arena, Biraben also shared his thoughts on WEC – Ocala. “It is amazing here. Between the winter season and the summer season, it just gets better and better every year. The footing, the jumps, the prize money, the people — everything here is incredible.”
Australia’s David Cameron earned second place riding Molly Adams’ 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding, Chriszi (Christian 25 x Bockmann’s Lord Pezi), in 38.97 seconds.
Sharn Wordley of New Zealand rounded out the top three in 39.58 seconds aboard Della Wordley’s 14-year-old Hanoverian gelding, Hagelin (Stolzenberg x Graf Grannus).
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